don't hold your breath

I relish my daily sessions in the Think Tank (aka my bath) – it’s just about the only time of the day that I get to spend 30 uninterrupted minutes inside my own head …

One of the things I think about nearly every morning in the Think Tank, before my mind wanders of to Who Knows Where, is how insanely fortunate I am. Today, this realization took hold of me completely and reminded me just how much I have to be thankful for. Because I do – I’m incredibly lucky and I have a very, very good life.

I live in my own house in a pretty decent neighbourhood in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. I may not own a mansion and it may not be in my dream location by the sea, but it’s mine. I have a roof over my head and a space to call my own.

I have two gorgeous children that I’m completely in love with. It’s a privilege to be their mom, to share an indescribable bond with them and help them grow up into great men.

I have garden. Ok, that may not sound like a big deal to some people but to me it is. I lived in an apartment for a couple of years and nearly died of claustrophobia. I couldn’t handle not having an outside area to retreat to. I have that now, complete with a braai, patio furniture, swimming pool and deck chairs. Awesome.

I own my own business. Me. I have no investors to please, no debt and no partners to check in with. I am completely free to work my own hours and do only things that I want to do. That’s ridiculous! How did I land up with this honour?

I have the most exceptional team of people working with me. Each and every one of them is an outstanding asset to my company. They’re very special people – I’ve never seen such spirit, enthusiasm, hunger and drive from a work force before.

I have absolutely everything I could possibly want – a wardrobe full of clothes, hundreds of books to read, endless fantastic music to listen to, plenty of food to eat, loads of entertaining gadgets … there honestly isn’t anything I feel deprived of. Wow.

I have Sir G in my life. He accepts me absolutely, warts and all. He never judges me and never tries to change me or fix me. Sir G has been on a rollercoaster with me over the years and he stuck around when I really didn’t deserve that kind of loyalty.

I have 6 crazy animals who keep me company every day. At times when I’ve been black with loneliness, their loving presence has helped to pull me out of my funk. My 2 beautiful Burmese cats and 4 pavement special canines are always here for me.

I have both my parents and I have brilliant relationships with both of them. It hasn’t always been this way – my Dad raised me and I only met my Mom when I was 16 – but now I’m so grateful for the loving connection I have with each of them.

I have peace in my heart. Finally. After so many years of anguish and pain I am now, on the whole, perfectly content and happy. I am comfortable with who I am, interested in my life again and pleased with the path I’m taking.

That’s a LOT to be grateful for, don’t you agree?

This exercise in thinking about how lucky I am is so good for me. It totally grounds me – all the stupid, petty things that can suck me into a hole of misery are quickly banished from my thinking when I focus on all the good things in my life.

I am sure that “luck” has something to do with where you are in your life right now BUT I believe that most of what you have and have achieved thus far has more to do with who you are and how much effort you have put into all that you do at work and in your daily life.

I discovered your blog through twitter a couple of hours ago, I started reading and I sensed your emotions. I personally think your ex was a jackass to have treated you the way he did. Good well rounded and motivated Woman like you seems to be rare.

You and many of us have a lot to be great-full for, Good on you for showing your gratitude.

I think it was Gary Player that once said : The more you practice, the luckier you become. Don’t stop practicing life – You will be rewarded even more.

I’ve seen your tweets about the Think Tank for months – I thought it was some super-sophisticated brainstorm session you have with your team. LOL! Now I get it! So your team DON’T join you… or do they?